A Simple Method for Naming What God Was Like

When you can describe what happened, but not what God was like, use this slow sequence. Do not rush it.

Step 1: Name the Strongest Interior Movement

Ask:

• What did I feel most strongly in that moment?

• What shifted inside me?

• What lingered afterward?

Use simple words:

Peace • Calm • Joy • Being loved • Being seen • Being known • Being cared for • Warmth • Relief • Safety • Trust • Comfort • Belonging • Reassurance • Gratitude • Hope • Closeness  • Stillness • Strength • Stability • Confidence • Courage • Freedom • Clarity • Being held • Being understood • Being welcomed • Affirmed • Being guided • Deep rest • Honored • Softness • Settledness • Lightness • Awe 

Don’t overanalyze. Just name the dominant movement. If you cannot name the feeling, you cannot name the encounter.

Step 2: Give the Movement a Face

Now slow it down. Ask: If this feeling had a face, what expression would it have?

Would it look like:

• A small, calm smile • Soft eyes that are relaxed and steady • A warm, welcoming look • A quiet nod of approval • A peaceful, settled gaze • A reassuring look that says “you’re safe” • Eyes focused fully on you • Leaning slightly forward with interest • Eyebrows slightly raised in attention • A look that says “I’m listening” • Deep eye contact that doesn’t rush away • Eyes full of warmth • A tender smile • A look of fondness • Gentle eyes that soften when they see you • A steady, confident gaze • A firm but calm expression • Eyes that communicate “I’ve got you” • A protective look that scans the situation • Calm strength in the face • A smile that says “keep going” • Bright eyes of encouragement • A look of proud approval • A nod that affirms what you did • Slightly serious eyes with kindness still present • A firm look without anger • Eyebrows slightly lowered in gentle correction • A patient look that invites you to rethink something • Eyes lighting up when they see you • A quiet laugh in the eyes • A playful smile • A delighted look of surprise • Soft eyes that recognize pain • A look that says “I understand” • Eyes that hold sadness with you • Deep concern mixed with tenderness.

This step is critical. It moves from abstraction to relationship. You are not analyzing emotion. You are imagining disposition.

Step 3: Ask What That Expression Reveals About God

Now ask:

If God was showing me what He is like in that moment, what was He revealing about Himself?

Complete the sentence:

“In that moment, God was ______ toward me.” Or: “In that moment, God was showing me that He is ______.”

Examples of how this may sound:

He was delighted • He was attentive • He was proud • He was gently correcting me • He was serious but not harsh • He was strengthening me • He was tender with my weakness • He was honoring something hidden • He was patient • He was close • He was playful • He was firm • He was steady • He was compassionate • He was reassuring • He was protecting me • He was guiding me • He was affirming me • He was welcoming me • He was understanding me • He was encouraging me • He was comforting me • He was seeing me clearly

Keep it concrete. Avoid vague words like “good” or “loving.” Force specificity.

Step 4: Listen for the Implicit Message

Often the disposition carries a message.

Ask:

If that version of God could speak one sentence to me in that moment, what would He say?

Examples:

“I see the hidden love you’ve given.” • “You’re not forgotten.” • “I’m proud of your faithfulness.” • “I’m growing you.” • “I’m with you.” • “I am not disappointed.” • “Don’t give up..” • “I am protecting you.” • “You are safe with Me.” • “I see your effort.” • “I delight in you.” • “I understand what you carry.” • “I am strengthening you.” • “You are not alone.” • “I am guiding you.” • “I am pleased with you.” • “I am holding you steady.” • “You can rest.” • “I am faithful to you.” • “I am near.” • “I see what others do not see.” • “I am caring for you.” • “You can trust Me.” • “I am working even now.” • “I will not leave you.” • “I am leading you forward.” • “I receive what you’ve given.” • “I honor your trust.” • “I am restoring you.”

These are not random thoughts. They are relational interpretations of the grace.

Step 5: Check the Fruit

Finally ask:

• Does naming God this way increase peace?

• Does it deepen trust? Does it expand love?

• Does it feel aligned with who God has shown Himself to be in Scripture and the Church?

If yes, you’re likely close.

If it produces anxiety, accusation, or shame without hope, slow down and reassess.

God’s correction is firm but never demeaning.

Why This Works

Most people stop at: “God helped me.”

But encounter matures when someone can say:

• “In that moment, God was tender toward me.”

• “In that moment, God was strengthening me.”

• “In that moment, God was delighted.”

That shifts the relationship from function to communion.